Convertible wig case

ABSTRACT

A sectional, convertible wig case for storing and transporting a wig and either a wiglet or fall. The case includes a wig stand having a base which partitions the case into two compartments and which may be supported at various heights within the case. Conveniently, the case is fabricated with removable wall sections such that when only the wig is transported, an upper section of the case may be removed to shorten the case and make it easier to carry. To reduce the shipping cost of the case, each section is adapted to be shipped in a flat condition and afterwards easily assembled into its normal cylindrical configuration by the retailer or purchaser.

United States Patent Appi. No. Filed Patented CONVERTIBLE WIG CASE 6Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl. 206/8, 190/44, 220/4, 220/22.l

int. Cl ..A45c 11/02, A45c 7/00, 865d 25/06 Field of Search, 206/8, 9;220/22, 22.], 4, 5, 4 R, 5 R; 190/44 References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 8/1967 lgoe etal. 6/1961 Swartz Primary Examiner Leonard SummerAttorney-Stefan M. Stein ABSTRACT: A sectional, convertible wig case forstoring and transporting a wig and either a wiglet or fall. The caseincludes a wig stand having a base which partitions the case into twocompartments and which may be supported at various heights within thecase. Conveniently, the case is fabricated with removable wall sectionssuch that when only the wig is transported, an upper section of the casemay be removed to shorten the case and make it easier to carry. Toreduce the shipping cost of the case, each section is adapted to beshipped in a flat condition and afterwards easily assembled into itsnormal cylindrical configuration by the retailer or purchaser.

mama) mace! an s; 628 655 SHEET 1 UF 3 Phi/40 50/200000, INVENTOR.

BY A/m $0 CONVERTIBLE WllG CASIE This is a continuation-in-partapplication of my copending application, Ser. No. 679,900, filed Nov.'1, I967 for a Wig Stand, now US. Pat. No. 3,479,106, issued Nov. I8,I969.

This invention relates to a wig case for transporting and storing a wig.

Although wig cases for transporting and storing wigs are known, there isnone that is specifically designed to simultaneously store a wig, andeither a wiglet or fall; nor is there one which also can be convertedeasily into a smaller case when only a wig, for example, is to bestored. As a consequence, an owner of these hair pieces must either buythree individual cases to store and carry the hair pieces or a largefrequently unsuitable case which is unnecessarily bulky when only onehair piece is carried.

Another disadvantage of known wig cases is that they occupy a largevolume per unit weight. Consequently, even though the wig case may belight in weight, its comparatively large size makes the shipping costfrom the manufacturer or wholesaler to the retailer a significantportion of its ultimate sales price of the case. This cost could bereduced if a wig case could be devised that could be transported in aflat configuration and then subsequently easily assembled by theretainer or purchaser to its customary shape.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a wig case forstoring and transporting a wig and either a fall or a wiglet.

Another object is to provide a wig case with removable wall sections anda wig stand which can be supported at various heights within the casesuch that when only the wig is to be stored and transported, the wig canbe stored in the lower section of the case and the upper section removedto shorten the case and make it easier to carry.

Still another object is to provide a wig case which may be shipped in aflat configuration and then subsequently easily assembled by a retaileror purchaser to its customary shape.

A further object is to provide a wig case which can be easily changed inheight by the addition or subtraction of removable sections.

A still further object is to provide a hinge which can be easily unitedand separated for securing removable sections of a wig case.

Another object is to provide a wig case which is practical andeconomically feasible to manufacture.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

The invention comprises a platform or base supporting through means of aswivel joint and peg, an artificial head which wears the wig duringtravel, storage, or styling. In the preferred embodiment of theinvention, the base is in the form of a substantially circular sheet ofsufficient weight and diameter to provide stability so that it will noteasily tip over, yet not heavy enough to impede easy carrying whencontained within a traveling case.

The swivel joint, which is preferably of the balland-sockettype, isequipped with a pressure clamp so as to allow the joint to be lockedfirmly in position. Mounted on top of the joint is a peg which is soshaped as to insure a snug fit between the peg and a recess bored intothe base of the artificial head.

The base fits within a vase in a manner whereby a space exists beneaththe base thereby providing a convenient place for the storage of combs,hair brushes, rollers, hair spray and the like. An outer protectiveshell surrounds the head leaving ample room for the hair.

In a second embodiment, the wig case is adapted to store a wig on a wigstand and either a fall or a wiglet. It is also adapted to be reducedin. height to facilitate its portability when only one of the hairpieces is to be carried. This is accomplished by providing an adjustingmeans to easily adjust the height of the base of the wig stand above thebottom of the case and by fabricating the case with removable sections.

To adjust the height of the wig stand, the spacers are stepped to formledges for supporting the base of the wig stand at various heights; andthe base carries a plurality of notches of various depths. lBy indexingthe base and selecting the appropriate notches, the base can be droppeddownwardly to a desired ledge.

When the wig stand is on the lowermost step, the wig is stored in thelower section of the case. If desired, the upper section can then beremoved to shorten the case and make it easier to carry.

Conveniently, the wig case can be modified to be shipped in a flatconfiguration and subsequently easily assembled by a retailer to put itin its customary cylindrical shape. The wall sections of the case arefabricated and shipped in a flat rectangular strip. When the retailerreceives the case, he assembles it by bending each strip into acylindrical section. Each section is retained in this form by beingfastened with joining flaps and snap fasteners.

The sections are attached to one another, the cover, and lid of the caseby hinges which unite and separate simply by rotative movement, and byconventional clasps.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope ofthe invention will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. l is a perspective view of the invention, shown as it would appearin a traveling case.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ball and socket swivel joint.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the wig casehaving removable wall sections and adjusting means to adjust thevertical height of the wig stand.

FIG. 41 is a perspective, assembled view of the case shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the case shown in FIG. 4 with the uppersection removed.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the case shown in FIGS. 3and 4i.

FIG. 7 is a horizontal view of the base and spacers of the wig case ofFIG. 6 particularly showing the manner in which the base is supported bythese spacers.

FIG. is an unassembled elevation view of one of the hinges which joinsthe top, bottom, and wall sections of the wig case.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the case of the second embodimentmodified by being fabricated in flat sections which can be economicallyshipped and subsequently easily assembled by a retailer or purchaser.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines ll0-ll0 of FIG. 9.

FIG. llll is an unassembled view of the case of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 9 modified with anadditional wall section.

FIG. I3 is an unassembled view of the wig case of FIG. 9 modified with adifferent type of cover fastener for maintaining the sections in acylindrical shape.

Similar reference characters refer to throughout the several views ofthe drawing.

As best seen in FIG. 1, the invention, in its preferred embodiment,comprises a platform or base 110, having a swivel joint secured thereto.In the embodiment shown in FIG. I, the swivel joint comprises a ball114i and a U-shaped stand 13 fastened via bolts 20 to the base 110.

A peg I5 extends from the ball. A bolt 22 and a wingnut 24 extendthrough ball M and the upper arms of U-shaped stand 18. By propermanipulation of the wingnut, the ball can be made to swing or pivot orto be fixed within stand 18 at the desired angle for ease of styling ofwig 26 mounted on artificial head 28.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2., the swivel joint comprises twosocket halves 30 and 32. joined via bolt 34 and wingnut 36. With thisconstruction, wingnut 36 may be tightened or loosened as to provide acontrolled pressure on similar parts ball 38 which resides within sockethalves 30 and 32. Affixed to ball 38 is a truncated conical peg 40. Thejoint is secured to a flat support'42 which, when assembled, is fastenedto base via bolts 44.

Artificial head 28 has a recess on its underside which is of the samegeometrical shape as peg or 40.

. An external protective shell or case 50 surrounds head 28, and wig 26.When contained within case 50, base 10 rests on a plurality of spacers52 to provide a storage space beneath the platform or base.

. In the preferred embodiment, case 50 is provided with a removable lid54 which is attached by conventional means such as a zipper to the lowerplatform of the case.

Platform 10 is preferably made of sheet stock, such as plastic, formica,fiber glass or the like, heavy enough to ,provide stability but lightenough to enable easy hand transport. If desired, suction cups (notshown) may be provided on its underside to enable removable affixationto the table top.

With such construction a wig may be carried or stored while its coiffureis maintained and protected from damage or rumpling.

There is also provided a styling stand for the wig which can bemanipulated to position thehead in any of a variety of positions mostconvenient for grooming the hair and held firmly there by tightening ofpositioning nut 24 or 36. Thus, the head may be tilted or turned alongits axis so as to present to the owner the greatest access to anyportion of the wig. v

And for travel or storage, head 28 is placed in a vertical position andnut 24 or 36 threadily tightened thereby securely fastening head 28 insuch manner that wig 26 will not come into contact with the case 50.

It should be noted that with lid 54 removed, wig 26 may be placeddirectly on head 28 or conversely removed by simply draping it over thehead 28.

A second embodiment of the wig case 50 is shown in FIGS. 3 through 8. Inthis embodiment, the shell of the case is seetioned into upper and lowercylindrical sections 60, 62 and is closed by removable lid 64 andremovable bottom 66. These components are preferably made of a rigid orsemirigid plastic composition but other materials of similar charactermay be employed. The sections are joined to each other and to the lidand bottom of the case by hinges 68 on one side and by clasp 69 on theother. The case may be bent back and opened wherever the hinges arelocated.

Hinge 68 is most clearly seen in FIG. 8. It comprises two identicalparts which easily unite or separate to allow the above-mentioned casecomponents to be easily assembled or removed. Each mating hinge partcomprises a tongue 70 and a sleeve 72 for receiving the tongue of theopposing part. The parts of the hinge are connected by aligning eachtongue with its opposing sleeve such that they are in a common planewith the tongue at the of the sleeve and then moving the parts inopposite direction colinear to the longitudinal axis of the tongue.

Each clasp 69 comprises an apertured flexible link 73 and an abutment74. The clasp is conventionally closed by pressing the aperture of thelink over the mating abutment 74, as best seen in FIG. 6.

Located within the case is a removable base 76 for carrying a wig stand77 and the head 28 on which the wig is groomed. The base is preferablymade of a material such as plastic, wood, steel, and the like which willprovide a firm support for the wig stand even when the base is out ofthe case and when the wig is being groomed. The base also acts as apartition to divide the case into two closed compartments.

To adjust the vertical height of the wig stand within the case, wigstand adjusting means is provided. The adjusting means consists of aplurality of notches in the base and a plurality of spacers 78 on whichthe base is supported. As best seen in FIG. 7, the notches in the baseare in three groups of two notches: a first notch 80 and a second notch82 which extend respectively deeper into the base. Corresponding withthese base notches, each spacer includes a first step or ledge 86, asecond step 88 and a third step 90 which are respectively wider orextend deeper toward the center of the case. The margin of the base willonly rest on the top steps 86. However, the base notches are suitablyarranged such that when notches are aligned with the spacers, the basewill drop to steps 88 and be supported thereon; and when notches 82 arealigned with the spacers, the base will drop to steps and be supportedthereon. As should be easily understood, the base notches can be alignedwith the steps by rotating the base relative to the spacers.

Since the height of the wig stand is adjustable, the case can easily beadapted to store either a wig, a wiglet, or a wig and fall. When thebase of the wig stand is supported at its uppermost height, designatedin FIG. 7 as position A, the wig can be stored in the wig stand in theupper compartment while a wiglet on a mushroom head," not shown, can bestored in the lower compartment. When the base is supported in itsintermediate height, designated position B, the wig can be stored in thelower compartment while a fall is stored in the upper compartment.Finally, when the base is supported at its lowermost height, designatedposition C, the wig can be carried in the upper compartment whilehairpins, curlers, and the like are restored in the lower compartment.When only the wig is carried and when the base is at its lowermostposition, the upper section 60 of the case may be moved and lid 64attached to the lower section, as shown in FIG. 5. Conveniently, thismakes the case more compact and portable making it easier to carry.

It should be evident that the case may be converted to various lengthssimply by adding or removing sections and the spacer steps can bealtered to support the base at heights to accommodate two wigs, twofalls, two wiglets or any combination thereof.

In FIGS. 9 through 13, a modification of the wig case of FIGS. 3 through8 is shown. In this modification, the wall sections of the wig case arefabricated so they can be shipped, with the remaining components of thewig case, in a flat configuration for more economical shipping. Also,these sections are fabricated such that they can subsequently be easilyassembled by a retailer or purchaser.

To accomplish this, the upper and lower sections 60, 62 are fabricatedin thin rectangular fiat strips as best seen in FIG. 11. They are madeofplastic or a similar material which can be easily bent by a retaileror purchaser into the circular, semirigid shape, shown in FIG. 9.

As best seen in FIG. 11, overlying cover or locking flaps an outer flapand an inner flap 102-retain these sections in a circular configuration.Each flap is-molded of plastic, is arcuate shaped and conforms to thecircular shape of the sections. The flaps include apertures 104 forreceiving conventional snap fasteners 106. Each section hascorresponding apertures 108 such that when each section is assembled, asbest seen in FIG. 10, with the ends of the section abutting each otherand the flaps overlying the area of abutment on each side of thesection, all the apertures are aligned to receive the snap fasteners.After which, the snap fasteners are placed within the apertures andfastened. In this manner, the sections are retained in their cylindricalconfiguration.

In the upper and lower portions of the outer flaps 100, there are moldedhinge parts 109, 110 of the type shown in FIG. 8. As previouslydescribed, each part consists of a tongue 70 and a sleeve 72 forreceiving the tongue of an opposing part. These hinge parts, as in theprevious embodiment, retain the sections together and to the lid andbottom of the case. Clasps 69 are also located on the case diametricallyopposite to the hinges to lock the sections to each other, to the lid 64and to the bottom 66 as in the previous embodiment (FIGS. 3-6). The lid64 and bottom 66 of this case are the same as previously described.

Although not shown, the spacers 78 and the wig stand and its base 75 areintended to be included with this modification; but these components maybe omitted. If omitted, the case may be utilized as a conventionalcarrying case which is easily collapsible and which may be converted tovarious lengths simply by adding or removing the wall sections. One suchcase shown in FIG. 12 where an additional sectiomdesignated asintermediate section Jill is included.

in F l6. 13, another concept is shown for assembling the sectiontogether. This concept differs primarily from the previous concept byhaving unitary inner and outer locking flaps M2, 1M which extend thelength of the case and which the wall sections are retained to The flaps1112, RM, flat rectangular strips of sections ti l), 62, lid 64% andbottom 66 have apertures 1116 therein for receiving the conventionalsnap fasteners 106.

The method of assembling this case is to first bend the flat stripcomprising the lower section 62 into a circular configuration with theends of the strip abutting each other and then place it into the bottomof the case such that the apertures in the bottom are aligned with thelower apertures of the section. Afterwards, the outer and inner flapsare suitably placed such that their apertures are aligned with theapertures of the section. The snap fasteners are then placed through theapertures and fastened. The section is then retained in its circularconfiguration and to the bottom of the case. Afterwards. the uppersection is bent, placed on top of the lower section, and fastened to theflaps in a similar manner. Finally, the lid is placed on top of theupper section. its apertures aligned with the apertures in the upper endof the flaps and fastened to the flaps by the snap fasteners. Althoughnot shown, it is to be understood that there is a securing means, suchas clasps 69, diametrically opposed to the flaps to retain the oppositeend of these sections together and to the bottom and top of the case.The locking flaps 11112, 11141 are sufficiently flexible such thateither the lid 64 or upper section 60 may be bent upwardly to open thecase. Although both inner and outer locking flaps are shown in thismodification for maximum strength, it is to be understood that the casecan also be assembled with only an outer flap.

From the above description. it should now be evident that a novel wigcase for storing and transporting a wig and either a fall and a wig casehas been provided. The case includes a wig stand which can be adjustedat various heights, and since the case can also be made in sectionswhich are easily removable, it can easily be reduced in size when onlythe wig is stored to make it easier to carry. Advantageously, theseremoval sections also enable the case to be made of any practical sizeby the addition or subtraction of these sections. Fortunately, thesesections may be fabricated in flat rectangular strips to make the casemore economical to ship and store by a retainer. Provision is also madeto enable the retailer or purchaser to easily assemble the case into itscustomary cylindrical shape. The simplicity of the case makes iteconomical and practical to manufacture.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and,since certain charges may be made in the above construction withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described; what is claimed ls:

l. A wig case comprising a bottom, a cylindrical shell extendingupwardly from said bottom and forming an enclosure with an open upperend, at least one portion of said shell being fabricated from at leastone flat strip of material, at least one locking flap connected to theextremities of said one strip so as to retain said strip in acylindrical configuration, an access lid for closing the shell, aremovable and adjustable wig stand base supported within said shell andpartitioning said case into at least two substantially closed chambers,adjusting means for adjusting the vertical height of said base withrespect to the bpttom of said case, fastenin means comprising aplurality of hinge parts at least one attac ed to one extremity of saidone locking flap and one other attached to said lid, said hinge partspositioned in working relation to one another, whereby said shell andsaid lid are connected together by engagement of said cooperatinglypositioned hinge parts.

2. A wig case as in claim ll wherein said shell comprises a plurality ofsuchstrips removably connected to one another by cooperation of suchhinge pats whereby said shell is made of a plurality of removable wallsections.

3. A wig case as in claim 2, wherein said fastening means furthercomprises clasp means, said sections being fastened together by saidclasp means and said hinge parts, whereby said hinge parts are unitedand separated by movement of cooperating hinge parts in oppositedirections parallel to the longitudinal axis of each of said hingeparts.

4. A wig case as in claim ll, wherein said shell comprises a pluralityof stacked removable sections each having a rectangular, flatconfiguration, inner and outer locking flaps connected to each suchsection, whereby said sections are retained in a cylindricalconfiguration, said fastening means comprising clasp and hinge partsarranged to fasten said sections to each other into the lid and bottomof the case.

5. The wig case of claim ll, wherein the shell is cylindrical and thebase has a substantially circular perimeter lying in juxtaposition withthe inside periphery of the shell, and said adjusting means is definedby said base having a plurality of notches and a plurality of spacersdisposed about the interior of said shell in vertical steps foralignment with said notches such that when the notches and spacens arealigned, the base will descend to a lower step of the spacers and besupported thereon.

6. The wig case of claim 5, wherein groups of two or more notches ofdifferent depths are provided on the perimeter of said base and saidspacers are disposed about the interior of said shell for alignment withthe notches in each group such that the base will be supported ondifferent steps of the spacers according to which notches in the spacersare aligned with.

1. A wig case comprising a bottom, a cylindrical shell extendingupwardly from said bottom and forming an enclosure with an open upperend, at least one portion of said shell being fabricated from at leastone flat strip of material, at least one locking flap connected to theextremities of said one strip so as to retain said strip in acylindrical configuration, an access lid for closing the shell, aremovable and adjustable wig stand base supported within said shell andpartitioning said case into at least two substantially closed chambers,adjusting means for adjusting the vertical height of said base withrespect to the bottom of said case, fastening means comprising aplurality of hinge parts at least one attached to one extremity of saidone locking flap and one other attached to said lid, said hinge partspositioned in working relation to one another, whereby said shell andsaid lid are connected together by engagement of said cooperatinglypositioned hinge parts.
 2. A wig case as in claim 1 wherein said shellcomprises a plurality of such strips removably connected to one anotherby cooperation of such hinge pats whereby said shell is made of aplurality of removable wall sections.
 3. A wig case as in claim 2,wherein said fastening means further comprises clasp means, saidsections being fastened together by said clasp means and said hingeparts, whereby said hinge parts are united and separated by movement ofcooperating hinge parts in opposite directions parallel to thelongitudinal axis of each of said hinge parts.
 4. A wig case as in claim1, wherein said shell comprises a plurality of stacked removablesections each having a rectangular, flat configuration, inner and outerlocking flaps connected to each such section, whereby said sections areretained in a cylindrical configuration, said fastening means comprisingclasp and hinge parts arranged to fasten said sections to each otherinto the lid and bottom of the case.
 5. The wig case of claim 1, whereinthe shell is cylindrical and the base has a substantially circularperimeter lying in juxtaposition with the inside periphery of the shell,and said adjusting means is defined by said base having a plurality ofnotches and a plurality of spacers disposed about the interior of saidshell in vertical steps for alignment with said notches such that whenthe notches and spacers are aligned, the base will descend to a lowerstep of the spacers and be supported thereon.
 6. The wig case of claim5, wherein groups of two or more notches of different dePths areprovided on the perimeter of said base and said spacers are disposedabout the interior of said shell for alignment with the notches in eachgroup such that the base will be supported on different steps of thespacers according to which notches in the spacers are aligned with.